Sling Firearm Rest

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods for supporting a firearm are provided. The apparatus includes a first and/or second tree mount configured to be coupled to a tree. The apparatus further includes a beam support, which may be flexible and is configured to be coupled to the tree via a first tree mount proximal an end thereof. The apparatus further includes a sling configured to be coupled to the beam and extending downward therefrom, the sling being further configured to receive and support the firearm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/512,959, filed Jul. 29, 2012. The entirety of this priority application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Firearm (e.g., rifle) rests are commonly used in firearm sports, such as hunting, to support the firearm during periods of inaction or to provide a stable platform from which to fire. Such sports are often conducted in the forests or other wooded areas where trees are readily-accessible for providing a mount for such rests. Indeed, various shooting blocks and other firearm rests are known; further, tree stands are also known and are commonly employed to provide cover for the hunter, thereby increasing stealth and providing a more comfortable location from which to operate.

However, such previously-developed firearm rests suffer from a variety of drawbacks. For example, in many areas, local and/or national regulations prohibit drilling into or otherwise damaging the trees when mounting tree stands or firearm rests, rendering many known designs entirely unsuitable for lawful use. Further, conventional firearm rests, whether in violation of local regulations or not, typically limit the angular range of fire across which the hunter can effectively target. Indeed, when employing a firearm rest, the hunter is typically limited to roughly a 180 degree range of fire, at best, thereby limiting the scope of targets that may be engaged without the hunter disengaging from the firearm from the rest, losing the stable platform and wasting precious time.

What is needed then is a firearm rest that is convenient to transport and assemble, advantageously uses elements of the terrain, and avoids limiting the range of fire across which the firearm is effective without disengaging from the firearm rest.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an apparatus for supporting a firearm. The apparatus includes a first tree mount configured to be secured to a tree, and a beam support configured to be coupled to the first tree mount proximal an end thereof and extending laterally from the tree. The apparatus also includes a sling configured to be coupled to the beam and extending downward therefrom, the sling configured to receive and support the firearm.

Embodiments of the disclosure may also provide a method for supporting a firearm. The method includes securing a first tree mount to a tree, and pivotally securing a beam to the first tree mount. The method also includes adjustably securing a sling to the beam; and receiving a firearm into the sling, to support the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figure. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary firearm rest system, in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for supporting a firearm, in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary firearm rest system 10, in accordance with one or more embodiments described. The firearm rest system 10 generally includes a sling 12, a beam support 14, a base 15, and first and second tree mounts 16, 18, which are spaced apart and configured to be secured to a tree 19 or another vertical support structure, such as a post. The sling 12 is coupled to the beam support 14, for example, via a knot or other enlarged portion of the sling 12 received through a notch (not shown) in a distal end 17 of the beam support 14. In other embodiments, however, any type of connection between the beam support 14 and the sling 12 may be employed. The sling 12 is thus hung from the beam support 14 at an appropriate height such that a firearm, for example, a rifle, shotgun, cross-bow, bow, pistol, or other projectile-launching device may be received into the sling 12 and supported thereby. In one example, the sling 12 may be positioned so as to be readily accessible from the ground, while an operator is seated or standing, and thus may be at from about 1 meter off the ground to about 3 meters off the ground. In other embodiments, the sling 12 may be positioned such that it is similarly accessible for an operator positioned in a tree stand, such that it is from about 1 meter to about 3 meters from the platform of the tree stand. In other embodiments, the sling 12 may be positioned at any level desired to comfortably support an operator's firearm, whether the operator is sitting, standing, or prone.

The beam support 12 may be flexible and may be made from a portion of a standard hunter's bow, i.e., a bow as traditionally configured to launch an arrow therefrom. In other embodiments, the beam support 14 may be made from other flexible materials, such as any suitable type of metal or metal alloy, composite, acrylic, plastic, elastomer, polymer, combinations thereof, or the like, such that the beam support 14 is flexible, as desired, but sufficiently rigid so as to bear sufficient weight to support the operation of the firearm rest system 10, as will be described in greater detail below. In various embodiments, the beam support 14 may be any length suitable, for example, between about 0.3 meters, about 0.5 meters, about 0.7 meters, or about 1 meter, and about 0.5 meters, about 0.7 meters, about 1 meter, about 1.5 meters, about 2 meters, or more.

In at least one embodiment, the beam support 14 may be coupled at a proximal end 18 to a pivotal connection 20. The pivotal connection 20 generally includes a base 22 and a pin 24. The beam support 14 defines an aperture 26 therethrough, near or at the proximal end 18, which receives the pin 24 for pivoting thereon. The base 22 of the pivotal connection 20 is coupled, for example, fixed via welding, mechanical fastening, or the like, to a vertical support 26. In an embodiment, the vertical support 26 is a metallic strap, but in other embodiments, the vertical support 26 may be made of nylon or canvas webbing, leather, other fabrics, composite material, elastomer, or polymer materials, or the like. Moreover, in some embodiments, the pivotal connection 20 may be substituted with a sleeve that receives the beam support 12, providing a ball-and-socket-type coupling for the beam support 14.

The vertical support 26 couples to at least one of the first and second tree mounts 16, 18. It will be appreciated that the use of one or more than two tree mounts 16, 18 may be used, without departing from the scope of this disclosure; indeed, the description and illustration of the vertical support 26 engaging two tree mounts 16, 18 is merely one embodiment among many contemplated and is not to be considered limiting. The vertical support 26 may be secured to the first and second tree mounts 16, 18 via stop-blocks 28, 30, 32, 34. Stop-blocks 28, 30 may be secured at opposite sides of the tree mount 16, while stock-blocks 32, 34 may be secured at opposite sides of the tree mount 16. The stop-blocks 28, 30, 32, 34 may restrain the vertical support 16, and thus the beam support 14 and sling 12 coupled thereto, from vertical movement with respect to the tree mounts 16, 18. The stop-blocks 28, 30, 32, 34 may be coupled to the vertical support 26 via mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesion, or the like.

The base 15 provides slots 15 a,b,c,d through which the first and second tree mounts 16, 18 are received. The first and second tree mount 16, 18 may be coupled to the tree 19, thus coupling the base 15 to the tree 19, in any suitable fashion. In one embodiment, the tree mounts 16, 18 may include push locks 36 a,b. The push locks 36 a,b may provide teeth to engage the remainder of the tree mount 16, 18, which may be nylon or canvas webbing, sheet metal, or the like, and provide positive traction that resists the movement of the tree mount 16, 18. In some embodiments, the push locks 36 a,b may be ratcheting, to provide a mechanical tightening of the tree mount 16, 18, but in other embodiments, may be configured to be hand tightened. To facilitate such tightening, one or both of the pairs of stop blocks 28, 30, 32, 34 may receive a strap tightener 38, 40 therethrough. Each strap tightener 38, 40 may be configured to engage the first and second tree mounts 16, 18, and may tighten the first and second tree mounts 16, 18 to the tree 19. Each strap tightener may have a handle 42, 44 to facilitate such tightening.

In one specific embodiment, among many possible, the system 10 may also include a pulley 46 attached to the beam support 14. The pulley 46 may be attached to a line 48. The pulley 46 may thus be used to support any additional gear, beyond a firearm. Additionally, the pulley 46 may be used to hoist or otherwise elevate gear to a raised position such as, for example, proximal an elevated platform of a tree stand.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system 10 may also include an auxiliary beam support 50. The auxiliary beam support 50 may be coupled to the vertical support 26 via a pivotal connection 52, similar to the pivotal connection 20 of the beam support 14. In other embodiments, however, the pivotal connection 52 may, instead, be non-pivotal, i.e., fixed or immovable. In an embodiment, the pivotal connection 52 may include a pin 54 and a base 56, with the pin 54 being received through the base 56 and through the auxiliary beam support 50, near the proximal end 58 thereof. A distal end 60 of the auxiliary beam support 50 may support one or more auxiliary components. Such auxiliary components may include an umbrella 58. Similarly, the handle 42 of the strap tightener 38 of the first tree mount 16 may extend outward to form an auxiliary hanger, such as, for example, a coat hanger. In various embodiments, however, the handle 42 may be configured to support any equipment desired, for example, to function as a drying hook for wet gear, or as a convenient storage for gear such as an ammunition pouch, cameras, food, eating utensils, or the like.

In various embodiments, the vertical support 26 may be omitted. Instead, the beam support 14 and the auxiliary beam support 50 may be directly coupled to the first and second tree mounts 16, 18, respectively, or to the base 15. In other embodiments, the beam support 14 and/or the auxiliary beam support 50 may be coupled a single tree mount, for example, tree mount 16, with the other tree mount 18 being omitted. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the pulley 46 may be coupled to the auxiliary beam support 50, rather than the beam support 14, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In operation, the firearm rest system 10 may provide for an increased effective firing range. For example, the pivotally-mounted beam 14 coupled to a rotatable sling 12 allows for two points about which the firearm may be pivoted: the tree 19 (by pivoting of the beam 14) and the distal end 17 of the beam support 14 (by rotation of the sling 12). Thus, the system 10 provides a compound pivoting movement, such that the firearm is rotatable relative the tree by pivoting of the beam 14 and rotation of the sling 12. Such compound pivoting movement enables the operator's firing range to be at least about 270 degrees, at least about 300 degrees, at least about 320 degrees, or more, up to a full 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the tree 19 remains the only obstruction limiting the firing range. In other embodiments, however, the firearm rest system 10 enables the operator to avoid restricting the firing range at all, the presence of the tree 19 notwithstanding.

For example, the pivotal connection 20 of the beam support 14 enables the operator to remain stationary while viewing, for example, up to about 180 degrees, swiveling left and right. However, if a target appears behind the operator, the sling 16 receiver, which is also pivotally mounted to the beam support 14, enables the operator to move, and circle to either his left or right, and acquire a target that is not blocked by the tree 19. If the target is behind the tree 19, the operator may circle around the tree 19, pivoting the beam support 14 and the firearm in the sling 16 to reveal the area behind the tree 19. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a full 360 degree range of fire is achieved.

Furthermore, in embodiments in which the beam support 14 is flexible, a variable height, without changing the position of the tree mounts 16, 18 is available. For example, the beam support 14 may bend with applied force downward on the sling 16, thereby lowering the position of the firearm. This may provide a convenient resting position for the firearm. When it is desired to take aim, the operator may move the firearm to, for example, a ready position, with the stock at his shoulder. Accordingly, the force downward on the sling 16 may be reduced. The flexible beam support 14 may bend back toward its natural position, thereby taking up the slack and also maintaining the relatively stable firing position for the firearm by altering the position of the sling 16.

In one or more embodiments, the positioning of the auxiliary beam support 50 and the primary beam support 14 may be switched. In such embodiments, accordingly, the auxiliary beam support 50 may reside vertically below the primary beam support 14. Additional variations of the relative positioning of the supports 14, 50 and other components described herein will be readily-understood by those with skill in the art. Moreover, additional components may be coupled to at least one of the beam supports 14, 50, for example, one or more cameras or video recorders, whether manually operated or automatic. Other accessories may also be included.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the present system 10 can be implemented without causing permanent damage to the three 19. For example, although tightening of straps, etc., may cause some, minimal removal of bark, the absence of drilling holes, or removing large portions of the tree so as to enable securing the system 10 thereto can avoid running causing permanent damage to the tree.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for supporting a firearm, according to an embodiment. The method 200 can include securing a first tree mount to a tree, as at 202. Such securing can proceed by receiving a strap around the tree and tightening the strap with one or more strap tighteners coupled with the first tree mount. The method 200 can also include pivotally securing a beam to the first tree mount, as at 204. The method 200 can further include adjustably (length/height from ground or platform) and rotatably securing a sling to the beam, as at 206. For example, the length of the sling, vertically extending between the ground and the beam can be adjusted to suit a height of an operator or desired elevation for the firearm. The method 200 can also include receiving the firearm into the sling, to support the firearm, as at 208. In various embodiments, the method 200 can also include securing a second tree mount, vertically offset from the first tree mount, to the first tree mount, the tree, or both, and connecting a vertical support to the second tree mount and to the first tree mount.

The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

1. An apparatus for supporting a firearm, comprising: a first tree mount configured to be secured to a tree; a beam support configured to be coupled to the first tree mount proximal an end thereof and extending laterally from the tree; and a sling configured to be coupled to the beam and extending downward therefrom, the sling configured to receive and support the firearm.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam support is flexible.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, when coupled together, the sling is rotatable relative to the beam support, such that the apparatus is configured to provide a compound pivotal range of motion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam support is configured to be coupled to the first tree mount via a pivotal mount.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second tree mount configured to be spaced apart from the first tree mount; and a vertical support configured to extend vertically between the first and second tree mount, wherein the beam support is configured to be coupled to the first tree mount and the second tree mount via the vertical support.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the vertical support includes stop-blocks, two stop blocks being configured to be positioned on each side of the first tree mount and two stop blocks being positioned on each side of the second tree mount.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a first strap tightener extending between the two stop blocks positioned on each side of the first tree mount, and a second strap tightener extending between the two stop blocks positioned on each side of the second tree mount.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second tree mounts each include a push lock.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary beam support configured to support additional equipment.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary beam support is configured to be pivotally coupled to the vertical support and the additional equipment includes an umbrella.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulley configured to be coupled to the beam support and configured to elevate equipment.
 12. A method for supporting a firearm, comprising: securing a first tree mount to a tree; pivotally securing a beam to the first tree mount; adjustably securing a sling to the beam; and receiving a firearm into the sling, to support the firearm.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: flexibly bending the beam by applying a force to the sling.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the force includes at least a weight of the firearm.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein securing the first tree mount to the tree comprises: receiving a strap at least partially around the tree; coupling the strap to the first tree mount; and tightening the strap so as to support the first tree mount, without permanently damaging the tree.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: securing a second tree mount, vertically offset from the first tree mount, to the first tree mount, the tree, or both; connecting a vertical support to the second tree mount and to the first tree mount; and connecting the beam to the first tree mount via a connection with the vertical support.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: rotating the strap relative the beam; and pivoting the beam relative the tree. 